The Alcea, c 1690.

Description

Engraving of a plant used in paper making. From 'The History of Japan' (1727) by Engelbert Kaempfer (1651-1716). Kaempfer was a German physician working at the Dutch trading post in Japan from 1690-1692. He asembled a large collection, including natural specimens, costumes, books, calendars, and maps. On his return to Europe he wrote 'The History of Japan', which records many aspects of Japan in the Genroku period (1688-1704).